Young mum Katie Cutler who launched a major fundraising campaign for disabled attack victim Alan Barnes is among the North East people being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

The mum-of-one, of Gateshead, helped to raise more than £330,000 for Alan after he was mugged outside his home in January.

Alan, who has sight and growth problems, was knocked over and suffered a broken collar bone during the incident.

Katie started an online fundraising page for the 67-year-old after reading about his plight in the Chronicle and later went on to set up the Katie Cutler Foundation to help others.

Now the 22-year-old has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

She said: “It was horrible, what happened to Alan. I think it touched and affected everyone and I just wanted to help him. But receiving an award is surreal.

“It is such a lovely surprise. Hopefully it will open more doors for the foundation.”

Alan, 67, who has bought a new home thanks to the donations, said: “She deserves it. I didn’t think it would happen as quick as it has.

“I don’t think she was expecting it. Hopefully it will open some doors for her. I’m really happy for her.”

Hari Shukla, from Chapel House, who has received a CBE

Community leader Hari Shukla has also made it on the list for helping to promote racial harmony.

The 81-year-old, of Chapel House, Newcastle, who has devoted his life to race relations, has already previously received an MBE and OBE. Now he is getting a CBE.

Born in 1933 in Uganda, Dr Shukla went to school in Kampala, achieved his teachers certificate in Kenya, and his Certificate of Education at Exeter University. He later completed an Open University course in Newcastle.

From 1974 to 1994, he was director of the Tyne and Wear Racial Equality Council and has also been involved with a number of charities, including the NSPCC and St Oswalds Hospice, as well as holding dozens of voluntary roles in organisations.

Dr Shukla, who has four children and nine grandchildren, and is married to 79-year-old Ranju, said: “My main aim is to unite and encourage people from all communities to work together for the welfare of this area. A multi-cultural society is not a liability - it is an asset. And it is possible for us to live as one big family.

“I try to emphasise that we all need to make a contribution to the wellbeing of our region, however little it may be.

“I have always believed that you cannot achieve anything on your own - you need the support of friends and family to help and guide you.

“And I have been very lucky in that respect. I have a large number of friends who have supported me throughout these years.

“I feel very humble at receiving this award.”

Elsewhere, foster carer Cathy Davis is getting an MBE for services to children and families.

The 55-year-old single parent, of North Shields, has been a foster carer for 18 years with Core Assets Fostering North East during which time she has cared for 10 children alongside her two daughters.

She has looked after young people on family holidays and family events to ensure they feel included. She also mentors a fostering colleague, listening to problems and offering advice based on her own experience.

In addition, she served as a governor at John Spence School for seven years and is a specialist social worker in education for children aged five to 16.

Cathy said: “I can’t believe I am getting the award. I was blown away. But I don’t think I’m doing anything out of the ordinary.

“I have a good social network with a fantastic family and great friends. They have really helped me and embraced the children I have fostered.

“This is all about making the children feel wanted and part of a family. And it is wonderful to see them achieving and becoming more trusting. I don’t treat my foster children any different to my own children.”

Former Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery (Image: Getty Images)

In the world of sport, former Newcastle Falcons player Jonny Wilkinson has been awarded a CBE for his dedication to rugby union, while Sunderland legend Jimmy Montgomery has been awarded a BEM for his services to football.

Montgomery, 71, a former goalkeeper, is an ambassador for the Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC), where he holds the all-time record for most appearances.

He joined his home town team in 1960 and made his first team debut at the age of 18, going on to play for the club for 17 years. In the 1960s, he was the bedrock of one of SAFC’s most celebrated and consistent defensive units.

His greatest triumph came in the 1973 FA Cup final when he kept a clean sheet against a formidable Leeds United team. SAFC upset the odds to win 1-0 and he was one of the team’s true stars.

He played for Southampton, Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest, returning to SAFC before ending his playing days and becoming the club’s youth team manager. He became goalkeeping coach in 1993 and was made club ambassador in 2012.

Since then he has been a driving force in the growth of the SAFC Former Players’ Association, arranging and hosting many fundraising events for charities.

Jimmy, a grandad-of-two, said: “I was stunned to get news about the award and absolutely delighted.

“I am an ambassador for the club that has been instrumental to me since I was 16. I just want to give something back to the community.”

Also among the winners are Barbara Hann, of Newcastle, founding member of ACE Credit Union Services, who has been awarded a CBE for services to the financially excluded, Sally Aitchison, of Stockton, managing director of Cash for Kids, who gets an MBE for services to radio and charitable fundraising, and South Tyneside-born barrister Paul Darling, who has received an OBE for services to safety at sports grounds and horseracing.